Wokingham volunteer police inspector dismissed for misusing sirens

A volunteer police inspector who broke the rules by driving around Wokingham with blue lights flashing and the siren blaring has been dismissed.

Despite being warned over a similar incident Special inspector Philip Simpson was caught using the blue flashing lights and flashing the headlights and sirens without clearance or the correct training, while driving a police car from Old Forest Road to Easthampstead Road.

Special Insp Simpson, who was based at Wokingham police station, was sacked following a Thames Valley Police (TVP) misconduct hearing on Tuesday, June 21, where he was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

Detective chief inspector Tim de Meyer said: "Warning equipment is fitted to police vehicles in order that appropriately trained officers can respond to emergencies as safely as possible.

"Special Inspector Simpson activated this equipment when he was not trained to do so.

"The public must be able to have confidence that officers are driving in accordance with their training and abilities and Special Inspector Simpson’s dismissal sends a clear message that any failure to do so will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with robustly.”

Officers revealed Special Insp Simpson had previously been subject of a finding of misconduct in relation to similar behaviour.

Special Insp Simpson was given a final written warning in connection with a breach of Professional Standards for storing canister of CAPTOR spray in a personal locker between October and November in 2015, while he was off duty.

He had also been accused of instructing a special constable to store a canister of the incapacitant spray in their personal locker, but after an investigation TVP found he had no case to answer.